Pracha denies crackdown rumours
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Deputy Prime Minister Pracha Promnok Sunday quashed all rumours that highlight a possible government crackdown on anti-government protesters.
Rebutting Democrat MP Suthep Thaugsuban's saying that he is the target of a government sniper, Pracha insisted that under the democratic regime, no violence would be used against protesters.
"The previous government deployed real weapons, leaving 99 dead and over 2,000 wounded. This government upholds democracy and respects peaceful demonstration," he said.
He also denied the rumour that officers sneaked into protest sites with arms, saying that all officers are there to monitor the situation and stop the third party.
On the throwing of small objects into a Government House's police booth, he attributed it to a third party.
Referring to the banner "tear gas area" on Makkhawan Bridge, he said these banners are to warn all not to enter as the area is covered by the Internal Security Act. Under the international law, tear gas can be deployed against those making an illegal entry.
Asked about the possibility of a military coup, he said the Supreme Commander has said all along that there would be no coup.
